State Finalist Denise Arnold
Softball Pitcher
Sophomore at Katy High School

Denise led the Katy Tigers to the state softball tournament and was the sole pitcher for the Tigers' season. She is an outstanding student-athlete, and The Athlete's Connection wants to recognize her as our All-Star Athlete of the Week. Denise will explain in her own words her softball career and her accomplishments.

Denise Arnold: 

First of all I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to do what I do.

I have lived my entire life in the same house in Katy.  My love for softball began by playing with my friends from Hutsell Elementary.  

I started softball at five years old, playing t-ball, but didn’t start pitching until 10 and under.  I played for Katy Girls Softball Association until 12 and under.  It was then that I started playing for my first tournament team, the Katy Force, coached by David Hannah.  He was a big inspiration for me.  As a matter of fact, he still comes out to my games and supports me.  I believe he was in Austin for the state games. He always was confident in my pitching and never had any doubt that I could do it. He once told me I could be the next Cat Osterman.  He even introduced me to Cat in Austin at a University of Texas Softball game in 2004.  About two years ago, he directed me to my current pitching coach, Bobby Smith. 

Bobby helped me by teaching me different spins to make the ball move. He told me that it didn’t matter how fast I threw it, but if I could make it move, I would be unstoppable.  

Last year, when I started high school ball, I was a little scared.  I was unsure of what it might be like.  I had seen Coach Haack in action when I would come to watch my older sister, Amanda play.  Coach Haack can be intimidating at times, but I learned to listen to what he was saying instead of how he said it.  As the sophomore varsity pitcher, I had a lot to learn.  Coach Haack helped with my defensive skills and with my pitching. Before high school, my sister and I had always played on different tournament teams, despite the two year age difference.  This sent my parents in different directions.  It wasn’t until the fall of my sophomore year that I decided to join my sister’s team.  It was my sister Amanda who supported me on the field through my ups and downs this season.   

I was also selected second team all-district for18-5A.  I was Katy High School's only pitcher during the playoffs, which lead us to place second at the state finals.  Going to state this year was mind-blowing.  I had no idea that we could go this far. I believe that we wouldn’t have gone as far if it were not for the great effort of the defense behind me on the field.  They were always there to make great plays.  The offense would get the key hits at the perfect time to score runs.

I love softball because of the rush I get on the field when I am trying to make a play, along with the fun of winning.

Currently, I play for the 18 and under Texas Jets, coached by my dad, Scott, and managed by Mike Jaetzold.  My dad has been my softball coach for all but two years of my softball career.  He has spent endless hours catching me as I practiced my different pitches.  Tournament softball helps me by giving me pitching time and allowing me to work on pitching when my high school team is not playing. 

At Katy High School, I am also involved in Future Farmers of America.  I have raised pigs to show at the Katy ISD Livestock Show and Rodeo.  When I am not involved in school activities and playing softball, I enjoy spending time with my family. I plan to continue playing softball in college and would like to pursue a career as a chiropractor. 

**Coaches, parents, athletes, and fans: to nominate someone for The Athlete's Connection All-Star Athlete of the Week, please send an e-mail to our executive editor at lsinclair@athletesconnection.com. **

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